P18 Perception of Vegetarian Diets in College Students

Abstract

Background Since the vegetarian diet is becoming more accessible to students, there is a greater need for individuals to have an open mind about this diet. Further input regarding students’ perceptions can help assist in reaching this population and aid in the creation of healthy eating behaviors. Objective To determine the perceptions of vegetarian diets between male and female vegetarian and non-vegetarian undergraduate college students. Study Design, Settings, Participants Online survey including demographic and perception questions. Participants were undergraduate college (n = 1,191) students at a Midwestern University enrolled in courses on the main campus recruited through their university email. Measurable Outcome/Analysis College student's perceptions of the vegetarian diet according to gender (male and female) and current diet type (vegetarian and non-vegetarian). Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Factorial ANOVA; P Results Statistically significant differences were found in scores of perceptions for the vegetarian diet between males and females (P = .001), as well as non-vegetarians and vegetarians (P Conclusion Information on college student's perceptions of vegetarianism creates material dietitians can use to better frame their advice and instructions while working toward improving this population's overall health status and behavior toward the vegetarian diet. Funding None.